PNP examining Thomas Markle’s laptop for child pornography

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating a laptop and suspected child sexual abuse materials reportedly found at the former Cebu home of Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, with results of the forensic examination expected within a week.

PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co on Sunday said the Women and Children Protection Center-Visayas Field Unit was leading the investigation, with assistance from Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 and Regional Internal Affairs Committee Against Trafficking 7.

The items, voluntarily turned over by Thomas Markle Jr., have been inventoried and placed in police custody. Co said investigators would secure the necessary warrant before examining the digital devices.

Authorities are investigating the nature and origin of the materials and whether they indicate violations of Philippine law.

US authorities have offered assistance if needed, Co said, adding that further details would not be released to protect the investigation and the privacy of potential victims.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier confirmed that the laptop was undergoing forensic examination. He told Agence France-Presse that authorities would pursue legal action against Markle Sr. if sufficient evidence was found.

Back in US

Markle, who reportedly returned to the United States earlier this year after living in Cebu, has denied the allegations.

British tabloid The Sun first reported that Thomas Markle Jr. discovered the images while sorting through boxes at his father’s former home.

On 23 October, Meghan said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and had blocked contact between her father and her children over earlier “troubling and disturbing” allegations.

She also said she had seen a 2018 letter sent to London’s Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection raising similar concerns. She said she had been assured the allegations were being investigated.

London’s Metropolitan Police said it had shared the information with Meghan and Prince Harry but had not passed it to other law enforcement agencies.